United Way of Dane County Inc
United Way of Dane County Inc is a public charity based in Madison, Wisconsin, formed in 1951. It mobilizes community resources and invests in programs and initiatives focused on well-being in Dane County, including youth opportunity, financial security, healthy communities and community resiliency.
United Way of Dane County Inc at a glance
In short: United Way of Dane County Inc gave $11.4M across 132 grants in 2024 (avg $86K), mostly in Wisconsin. 13% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $11,376,105
- -4.3% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 132
- -2.2% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $86,183
- -2.1% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $20,367
- Total assets
- $21,898,523
- -6.6% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 13% first-time grantees (17 of 132, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Wisconsin (90% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to United Way of Dane County Inc
- How to Apply
-
The 2025–2026 Impact Grants application cycle is closed. For future opportunities, United Way directs organizations to review its funding opportunities and eligibility information. Its partner-agency process distinguishes between agencies applying for fully participating status through a formal proposal review and donor-designation agencies seeking affiliation to receive designated dollars.
- Review Cycle
- May 17, 2024, for the 2025–2026 Impact Grants cycle.
- Deadline
- May 17, 2024, for the 2025–2026 Impact Grants cycle.
- Contact
Mailing address: 2059 Atwood Ave, Madison, WI 53704
Phone: (608) 246-4350
Website: https://unitedwaydanecounty.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
2 open opportunities from United Way of Dane County Inc
By Youth For Youth (BYFY) - Youth Grant Program
United Way of Dane County Inc
Amount
Varies annually
Deadline
Deadline not published
Micro-Investment Grants
United Way of Dane County Inc
Amount
Up to $5,000 per grant; $25,000 total awarded per cycle
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who United Way of Dane County Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was RISE Wisconsin ($1.2M). Together the top 10 received $5.3M.
Grant Size Distribution
705 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 439 grants of 705 (62%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
United Way’s Plan for Community Well-Being and its grant programs focus on Dane County, Wisconsin. In 2024, 90% of reported grant dollars went to recipients in Wisconsin; other recipient-state shares were Pennsylvania (4%), California (2%), the District of Columbia (1%) and Georgia (1%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 132 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is United Way of Dane County Inc open to new grantees?
13%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 17 of 132 grantees (13%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $10K; repeat grants $98K. How we count
Medians: $9K first-time, $34K repeat.
- 83% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (−14%). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2019–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $11.4M (2024) to $14.0M (2020). In 2024 it made 132 grants totaling $11.4M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| RISE Wisconsin Madison, WI | Program Operating Cost/Donor Designation for General Support | $1,203,675 |
| YWCA of Madison Madison, WI | Program Operating Cost/Donor Designation for General Support | $846,422 |
| United Way of Dane County Foundation Madison, WI | Donor Designation for General Support | $521,491 |
| CHC Creating Healthier Communities Philadelphia, PA | Donor Designation for General Support | $467,902 |
| Centro Hispano of Dane County Madison, WI | Program Operating Cost/Donor Designation for General Support | $457,513 |
| The Road Home Madison, WI | Program Operating Cost/Donor Designation for General Support | $445,289 |
| Urban League of Greater Madison Madison, WI | Program Operating Cost/Donor Designation for General Support | $382,469 |
| Community Action Coalition for South Central WI Madison, WI | Program Operating Cost/Donor Designation for General Support | $361,726 |
| JustDane Madison, WI | Program Operating Cost/Donor Designation for General Support | $326,533 |
| Community Shares of Wisconsin Madison, WI | Donor Designation for General Support | $308,903 |
Ready to take the next step with United Way of Dane County Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
The 2024 filing states that other income primarily consists of fiscal agent fees for processing and managing combined public sector campaigns. It also describes endowment funds established to support the organization’s mission through education, financial stability and health programs.
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $21,898,523 | $20,731,016 | $22,058,486 | $11,376,105 | 132 | $262,410 |
| 2023 | $23,454,609 | $21,136,618 | $21,365,560 | $11,884,019 | 135 | $242,446 |
| 2022 | $23,323,648 | $21,917,778 | $22,111,289 | $12,061,495 | 143 | $88,315 |
| 2021 | $25,467,311 | $22,528,941 | $23,051,249 | $13,206,194 | 142 | $90,472 |
| 2020 | $24,916,320 | $25,432,059 | $23,042,976 | $14,014,160 | 153 | $94,006 |
| 2019 | $22,529,692 | $21,928,366 | $22,023,143 | $13,261,210 | 115 | $106,643 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The organization’s mission is “to unite the community to achieve measurable results that change lives.” Its Plan for Community Well-Being identifies four focus areas: Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, Healthy Community and Community Resiliency.
Its funding approach includes investing in programs run by nonprofit health or human service organizations serving Dane County residents. Fully participating agencies are selected through a formal proposal review involving volunteer Community Solutions Teams and are accountable for proposed or negotiated outcomes. Donor Designation Agencies affiliate to receive donor-designated dollars and are reviewed against minimum criteria.
Examples of supported organizations illustrate the range of work among grantees. RISE Wisconsin’s mission is to advance the wellness of children, individuals and families through early childhood and mental health services. YWCA Madison’s mission is to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Centro Hispano describes its mission as empowering youth, strengthening families and engaging community. The Road Home Dane County works to help homeless children and their families achieve self-determined goals and affordable, stable housing. These are the grantees’ stated missions, not United Way’s.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, United Way reported 132 grants totaling $11,376,105. Grant amounts ranged from $5,077 to $1,203,675, with a median of $20,367. Many of the largest grants were described as program operating costs and/or donor designations for general support.
The largest reported awards included $1,203,675 to RISE Wisconsin, $846,422 to YWCA of Madison, $521,491 to United Way of Dane County Foundation, $467,902 to CHC Creating Healthier Communities, and $457,513 to Centro Hispano of Dane County. Other large recipients included The Road Home ($445,289), Urban League of Greater Madison ($382,469), Community Action Coalition for South Central WI ($361,726), JustDane ($326,533), and Community Shares of Wisconsin ($308,903).
The By Youth For Youth program is a youth grant program for youth-led organizations, youth programs and projects developed and implemented by youth to serve youth in Dane County. A committee of local high school students identifies issues, sets annual priorities, reviews proposals and recommends funding from County and City grants. In 2024, the program awarded $25,630 to 11 local youth programs and projects. Example priorities that year included mental and physical health, immigration, sexual violence, poverty, climate change and STEM.
The 2025–2026 Impact Grants cycle offered approximately $2–3 million in two-year commitments for January 2025 through December 2026, subject to annual Community Campaign results. The cycle focused on Youth Opportunity, Financial Security and Healthy Communities, with an approach emphasizing root causes, systems change and direct services for families experiencing disparities. Its application period has passed. For funded programs, United Way describes a monitoring process that includes twice-yearly reports; larger grants may receive more frequent monitoring, including site visits.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Renee Moe as President/CEO; Jody Bartnick as Vice President Community Impact; Nicholas Wood as CFO/Vice President Administration; Karen Burch as Vice President of Community Engagement/Marketing; and Justin Hardy as Vice President Resource Development. Listed board officers and members include Paul Kundert, Board Chair; Jane F Zimmerman, Vice Chair; Tim Ryan, Treasurer; Karen Timberlake, Secretary; and Chief Shon Barnes, Board Member.
United Way of Dane County Inc is led by Renee Moe, President & CEO on every filing since 2019; 5 of 39 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Renee Moe
President & CEO
On filings since 2019
41 hrs/week
$193K (2019) → $264K (2024)
Paul Kundert
Board Chair
Board Member → Vice Chair, 2023
Vice Chair → Board Chair, 2024
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Karen Burch
Vice President of Community Engagement & Marketing
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$110K (2021) → $122K (2024)
Nicholas Wood
CFO & Vice President Administration
On filings since 2021
41 hrs/week
$106K (2021) → $135K (2024)
Jody Bartnick
Vice President Community Impact
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$132K (2023) → $136K (2024)
Justin Hardy
Vice President Resource Development
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$123K (2024)
Bryan Chan
Board Member
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Dave Florin
Board Member
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Everett Mitchell
Board Member
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jay Sekelsky
Board Member
Board Vice Chair → Board Chair, 2023
Board Chair → Board Member, 2024
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jeff Keebler
Board Member
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Karen E Timberlake
Secretary
Board Member → Secretary, 2024
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mark Koehl
Board Member
Treasurer → Board Treasurer, 2021
Board Treasurer → Board Member, 2023
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
William Westrate
Board Member
Board Vice Chair → Board Chair, 2022
Board Chair → Board Member, 2023
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Rachel Neill
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Gisele Sutherland
Board Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jane F 'Ginger' Zimmerman
Vice Chair
Board Member → Secretary, 2023
Secretary → Vice Chair, 2024
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jesi Wang
Board Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Chief Shon Barnes
Board Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Robert Durian
Board Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tim Ryan
Treasurer
Board Member → Treasurer, 2023
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Adam Stevenson
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Amber Walker
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Barbara McKinney
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Christine Negovani
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Claiborne Hill
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Corinda Rainey-Moore
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
David Sweitzer
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Derek Wallace
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kim Sponem
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lisa Peyton
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Noel Gallagher
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Nolan Brown
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Pete Vogel
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Scott Strong
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Sean LaBorde
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Krissy Wick
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Larry Barton
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Silvia Jackson
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (50)
- Former: Fabiola Hamdan (2019–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Jacquelyn Boggess (2019–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Ananth Seshedri (2021–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Christine Dahlhauser (2021–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Martha Stacker (2022–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Dulce Maria Danel (2023) — Board Member
- Former: Ross McDuffie (2023) — Board Member
- Former: Dave Beck-Engel (2019–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Dave Branson (2019–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Gloria Ladson-Billings (2019–2022) — Board Secretary
- Former: Jim Wheeler (2019–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Michelle Michalak (2019–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Ramona Natera (2019–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Roberta Gassman (2019–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Carlton Jenkins (2020–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Josie Ronk (2020–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Dan Frazier (2021–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Lynn Green (2021–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Bea Christensen (2022) — Board Member
- Former: Dave Sweitzer (2022) — Board Member
- Former: Dulce Danel Uribe (2022) — Board Member
- Former: Jeffrey McGinn (2022) — Vice President Resource Development
- Former: Lau Christensen (2022) — Board Member
- Former: Lucius Woodson (2022) — Board Member
- Former: Sonia Kurhajetz (2022) — Board Member
- Former: Corey Chambas (2019–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Jessica Bartell (2019–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Kevin Conroy (2019–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Mya Johnson (2019–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Ryan E Behling (2019–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Samuel Stoiber (2019–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Tim Bartholow MD (2019–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Martha Cranley (2020–2021) — Vice President of Community Impact
- Former: Sherri Cyra (2020–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Deirdre Morgan (2021) — Board Member
- Former: Edward Sadlowski (2021) — Board Member
- Former: Barbara Nichols (2019–2020) — Board Member
- Former: Dave Orr (2019–2020) — Board Member
- Former: Fritz Grutzner (2019–2020) — Board Member
- Former: John Humenik (2019–2020) — Board Member
- Former: Len Devaisher (2019–2020) — Vice President of Resource Development
- Former: Rick C Spiel (2019–2020) — Vp-Chief Financial Officer
- Former: Sabrina Madison (2019–2020) — Board Member
- Former: Doug Keillor (2019) — Board Member
- Former: Greg Dombrowski (2019) — Board Treasurer
- Former: Jack Daniels III (2019) — Board Member
- Former: Jennifer Cheatham (2019) — Board Member
- Former: Mary Romolino (2019) — Board Member
- Former: Michael Hamerlik (2019) — Board Member
- Former: Susan Riseling (2019) — Board Member
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $264K, to Renee Moe (President/CEO). 5 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about United Way of Dane County Inc
How much does United Way of Dane County Inc give each year?
United Way of Dane County Inc gave $11.4M across 132 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $11.9M across 135 grants.
What is United Way of Dane County Inc's typical grant size?
United Way of Dane County Inc's median grant in 2024 was $20,367, and its average grant was $86,183, across 132 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from United Way of Dane County Inc that year got $10K on average.
Where does United Way of Dane County Inc give grants?
United Way of Dane County Inc gives mostly in Wisconsin: 90% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Madison, WI (76 grants), Middleton, WI (3 grants), Milwaukee, WI (3 grants) and Monona, WI (3 grants).
Does United Way of Dane County Inc give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of United Way of Dane County Inc's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (132 of 132) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990.
Who are United Way of Dane County Inc's largest grantees?
United Way of Dane County Inc's largest 2024 grantees include RISE Wisconsin ($1,203,675), YWCA of Madison ($846,422) and United Way of Dane County Foundation ($521,491), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 23% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is United Way of Dane County Inc?
United Way of Dane County Inc reported $21.9M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $20.7M.
What does United Way of Dane County Inc fund?
The organization’s mission is “to unite the community to achieve measurable results that change lives.” Its Plan for Community Well-Being identifies four focus areas: Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, Healthy Community and Community Resiliency. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from United Way of Dane County Inc?
The 2025–2026 Impact Grants application cycle is closed. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is United Way of Dane County Inc's EIN?
United Way of Dane County Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 39-0817532. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS November 13, 2020)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 11, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 8, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS October 31, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 11, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 5, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2019–2024
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). United Way of Dane County Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 10, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/united-way-of-dane-county-inc-morg_ab9c2dfc74d14b05a8e8dc594c4344e9
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_390817532_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{United Way of Dane County Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/united-way-of-dane-county-inc-morg_ab9c2dfc74d14b05a8e8dc594c4344e9},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-10. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from United Way of Dane County Inc's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
United Way of Dane County Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?